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Portrait Of Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

Portrait Of Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

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Regular price $17.99 USD
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Portrait Of Maj. Gen. Franz Sigel, Officer Of The Federal Army (U.S. Civil War) Black Coffee Mug

This is a full-length portrait of Major General Franz Sigel, shown standing in the formal dress of a Union officer during the American Civil War.

Visual Elements & Composition

The picture is a black and white photograph, built from light grey, charcoal black and off white. Charcoal dominates the darker areas of the uniform and the surrounding shadows, while light grey carries the general's figure and the draped curtain and chair beside him. The general stands upright in a long double-breasted coat, with shoulder insignia marking his rank. He faces the camera or turns slightly toward it, so his face and uniform are the clear focus. The rectangular plate frames the whole figure, leaving the studio props as quiet supporting detail.

Meaning & Symbolism

Sigel was a German-born officer who helped organise German-American regiments for the Union, so his portrait speaks to the immigrant communities that fought for the North. His service took him through campaigns in Missouri and the Shenandoah Valley, which placed him firmly among the leading commanders of the federal army. Portraits like this were made in the 1860s for public recognition and historical record, and they circulated as cartes de visite so citizens and soldiers could recognise the men leading the war. The uniform, the rank and the formal pose all signal authority, professionalism and patriotic duty during a divided nation's crisis.

Made for the Hand

A mug is turned in the hand as it is lifted, so the portrait is seen in pieces, one side at a time, as the cup moves. The general's upright figure runs the height of the mug, and the monochrome tones read clearly at arm's length over a morning coffee. Every sip brings the officer's steady gaze back into view, a small daily reminder of a leader who mobilised immigrant soldiers for the Union.

Size

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Glossy black ceramic mugs in two practical sizes — 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml). Comfortable C-handle, microwave- and dishwasher-safe, and manufactured to be lead- and BPA-free. Note: printed blacks may read slightly different from the mug’s base color.

These mugs are made from solid ceramic with a glossy glaze that gives a deep, even surface for printing. Sublimation printing embeds ink into the glaze so artwork sits smoothly on the mug rather than simply sitting on top — that means better resistance to fading and scratching during normal use.

They’re available in the classic 11-ounce size for everyday black coffee and tea, and a larger 15-ounce cup if you like extra room for milk, foam or a long pour. The C-shaped handle is wide enough for a secure grip and balances the mug well when full.

  • Material: 100% ceramic with a high-gloss finish for punchy, saturated results.
  • Sizes: 11 oz (≈330 ml) and 15 oz (≈440 ml) — choose your routine size.
  • Printing: sublimation process fuses color into the glaze for durable imagery.
  • Safety: lead- and BPA-free; meets common food-contact safety standards.
  • Design note: very dark artwork and the mug’s black base can produce subtle shade differences — add a thin lighter outline to ensure contrast if needed.

These mugs are at home in the kitchen, on the office desk, or tucked into a morning routine. They work for espresso shots, pour-overs, oat-milk lattes — you name it. The larger size is handy when you want a second cup’s worth without a refill.

  1. Daily use: fill with your preferred brew and sip — the mug handles hot liquids safely.
  2. Office-friendly: fits most standard mug warmers and sits securely on communal trays and kitchen counters.
  3. Gifting: packs well (wrap with a soft layer) and pairs nicely with coffee beans, tea tins, or a small box of biscuits.

Practical tip: for very dark designs, try a thin light border or a small margin so the artwork reads cleanly against the black ceramic.

These mugs are both microwave- and dishwasher-safe, but gentle habits extend the life of the print. We recommend dishwasher use on the top rack and milder cycles when possible.

Hand-washing is the friendliest option: warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft sponge. Avoid steel wool, harsh scouring pads, or blasting with extremely hot industrial cycles. And a quick reminder — don’t microwave an empty mug.

Two sizes: 11 oz (approx. 330 ml) and 15 oz (approx. 440 ml). The smaller cup is the familiar, everyday size; the larger one is for fuller pours and extra-creamy drinks.

Each mug’s mouth and height are proportioned so they’re easy to drink from and easy to clean. If you’re pairing with saucers or nesting in cabinets, expect the 15 oz to be slightly wider and taller than the 11 oz.

Size guide

All measurements are product dimensions in inches.

11 oz 15 oz
Height (in) 3.86 4.72
Diameter (in) 3.35 3.35
Diameter with handle (in) 4.72 5.12

Note: dimensions are nominal — small production tolerances may apply. If you need precise fitment (e.g., for nested storage or custom packaging), please allow a small margin.